Now that the Warwick Valley Schools are officially open for the 2025-26 school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our students, families, faculty, and staff for making the opening days such a resounding success. As superintendent, it is a joy to walk the hallways of each of our schools. The energy across our campuses has been nothing short of inspiring. From the smiles of returning students to the enthusiasm of our newest Wildcats, it’s clear that Warwick Valley continues to be a place where learning, growth, and community thrive.
Students, this is your year to shine and to be your best self. Whether you’re stepping into kindergarten at Park Avenue or Sanfordville Elementary School, moving up to fifth grade in Warwick Valley Middle School, or preparing for graduation as a senior at Warwick Valley High School, every day is an opportunity to learn something new, challenge yourself, and grow. Set goals, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – because that’s how real learning happens. Your teachers, counselors, and administrators are here to support you every step of the way.
Remember, success isn’t just about grades – it’s about effort, attitude, and perseverance. Show up with curiosity, treat others with kindness, and take pride in your work. The habits you build now will shape your future, and we believe in your ability to achieve great things. Let’s make this school year one filled with purpose, progress, and pride.
As we look ahead to the school year, one of our most cherished traditions is coming up next week – Homecoming 2025! This year’s theme, Game Shows, promises a week full of fun, spirit, and community pride. Spirit Week kicks off Monday, September 15, with themed dress-up days like “Country vs. Country Club” and “Family Feud Day.” Float building will take place each evening at the Transportation Garage, culminating in the Saturday, September 20 parade and float judging.
Here’s a quick look at the main events:
- Pep Rally – Friday, September 19 (during school)
- Powder Puff Football Game – Friday at 5:30 p.m.
- Bonfire – Immediately following the game
- Homecoming Parade – Saturday, September 20 at noon
- Football Game vs. Pine Bush – Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
- Homecoming Dance – Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at WVHS
I encourage everyone to come out and support our students. Homecoming is more than a celebration – it’s a reflection of the spirit that makes Warwick Valley so special. Whether you’re cheering at the parade, attending the dance, hanging a sign at a business downtown, supporting our students with a donation of your time or equipment, or simply wearing purple and gold, your presence helps build the culture of pride and unity we value so deeply.
Here’s to a fantastic start and an unforgettable school year. Go Wildcats!
Here are some highlights from our schools this week:
Park Avenue Elementary School
On the first day back to school, and all throughout the first week of school, teachers, parents, and staff welcomed back students. Students entering through our Main Entrance marvelled at the decorations, courtesy of the Park Avenue PTA’s hard work. The highlight for students arriving at the bus parking lot was seeing the newest students pairing and lining up with their kindergarten teachers. By all accounts kindergarteners have been quickly acclimating to the school’s rituals and routines. Ms. White shared, “Kindergarten students are coming together during their first days of school. We are learning each other’s names and becoming a team of learners. We are learning our routines and classroom rules. We are learning to independently buy lunch and how to safely play on the playground. We learned how to walk and exit the building for a fire drill. We are learning new songs and dances and having fun!!”
All throughout the school teachers could be seen engaging their students in community building activities but also launching into the year’s academic work. For example, in Ms. Weller’s third grade class students played The Hundreds Game. Her students were given a paper with the numbers 1 to 100 scattered in various sizes. Students were tasked to collaborate in order to find the numbers in order without talking. In Mrs. Kilbride’s class children practiced reading large books together using choral reading after she modeled the skill for them. Regarding some of the other work that took place in her class Mrs. Kilbride shared, “Simple goals were set up to help with stamina and focus and students worked with Mrs. Kilbride to learn how to choose a ‘Just Right Book’.”
Sanfordville Elementary School
Sanfordville opened its doors and officially kicked off its start to the 2025-26 school year as they welcomed back almost 800 students. Teachers and staff members greeted students who got off the bus and were dropped off at the front of the building to welcome them with a smile, and/or help them navigate their way through halls. Students even had a chance to see our Wildcat mascot thanks to the Sanfordville PTA.
Kindergartners were assisted from the bus doors to the classroom doors as the fourth-grade students confidently walked into the building as new role models. Those fourth graders were excited to demonstrate their PAWS expectations for the younger students. These expectations emphasize being Polite and Accountable, making Wise Choices, and prioritizing Safety. Although the first day of school can evoke a range of emotions for everyone, having a nurturing and supportive team at Sanfordville certainly eased some of the first day jitters that new experiences can bring. We look forward to the many positive experiences that await our SES students throughout the 2025-26 school year!
The SES PTA welcomed back staff with a grab-and-go breakfast on Friday. Teachers appreciated the breakfast drinks, granola bars, protein bars and other yummy treats to kick off the morning and the school year ahead! Thank you to the PTA and all of the families who donated treats!
Warwick Valley Middle School
The middle school campus came alive with excitement as balloons, cameras, and cheerful greetings from teachers set the tone for the day. New and returning students were met with an atmosphere full of smiles and encouragement as they stepped onto campus, ready to begin a fresh chapter.
The morning began with an extended homeroom period, giving students the chance to ease into the new year. During this time, teachers guided their classes through schedules, policies, and procedures, ensuring everyone had the information they needed to feel confident. It was also a chance for students to ask questions, connect with their classmates, and settle into the rhythm of middle school life.
In addition to the logistics, students were invited to reflect on their personal goals and motivations. They kicked off the year by writing about what “drives them to succeed,” a thoughtful activity that helped set a positive, forward-looking tone. This exercise encouraged students to think about their passions and how they can channel them toward academic and personal growth.
This year’s school theme, “Driven to Succeed,” will serve as a guiding principle throughout the school year. With supportive teachers, enthusiastic students, and a strong sense of community, the first day highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering both learning and character development. If the opening day is any indication, the 2025-2026 year promises to be one filled with energy, growth, and success.
Warwick Valley High School
Warwick Valley High School opened its doors for another exciting school year, and the first day was filled with energy, connection, and community spirit. During lunch, students enjoyed catching up with one another while playing Uno and other board games, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both new and returning Wildcats.
Throughout the first week, we held grade-level assemblies to review expectations for the year and to encourage students to set goals for success both inside and outside of the classroom. These gatherings gave us the opportunity to come together as a school community and start the year with shared purpose and focus.
The week also featured several important events. We hosted our second Driver’s Awareness Forum of the school year, giving student drivers and their parents/guardians valuable reminders about safety and responsibility. Our PTSA held its first meeting of the year, where members discussed a variety of upcoming activities designed to bring families and students together.
On campus, the Freshman class came together for their first class meeting, beginning to build school spirit and unity as they embark on their high school journey. Meanwhile, our Homecoming Committee met to plan this year’s big event, unveiling the theme “Board Games”—sure to inspire plenty of creativity and fun.
With so many exciting events during just the first week, Warwick Valley High School is off to a fantastic start, setting the stage for a year full of learning, leadership, and school pride.
